"I claim the vibrating table and lever, B, together with mechanism connected therewith for giving change of motion to carriage, in combination with the lever, B', and the mechanism for opening and closing the dogs, the whole being arranged for joint operation, substantially as and for the purpose set forth."

The following information is courtesy of correspondent James B. Cash. "Black's Great Excelsior Lath Sawing Machine" was mentioned in a letter from William H. Messimer to George W. Garman dated July 17, 1859 from Memphis, TN. Messimer was from Jersey Shore near Williamsport, PA. He states he had been in Iron County, MO that summer. Iron County is about 50 miles southwest of St. Louis. Garman was from Lancaster and Franklin Counties, PA, but had moved to Henry County, IN in 1853. Garman had been a housebuilder, a farmer and a cabinet maker. It is believed that the two had worked together building houses or some kind of carpentry, probably in the Chambersburg area of Pennsylvania or in central Indiana. Garman was born in 1831, and from the tone of the letter it appears that Messimer was approximately the same age.

The part of the letter which talks about the machine says the following: "I have now got into the patent rights business. A Mr. Baldwin and I have boughten the right for this State of Blacks 'Great Excelsior Lath Sawing Machine.' We also have an agency for the states of Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and Texas. We get 50 percent for selling. The machine is capable of Sawing 15000 to 25000 laths per day, and of the very best quality. It saws from a Solid log or bolt & can also be set with equal facility & rapidity Fence pickets broom handles barrel staves and heading. In short any kind of short lumber that may be worked from the bolt. If there is anything in the thing I certainly think I can make it. For I have got in on a trifle. I also contemplate applying for a patent. It is for belt lacing machinery." No such belt-lacing patent has been found.